Penny Lawson
- Penny Lawson recently ran for and won the open seat Chancery Court race. She will fill the unexpired term following the death of Judge Vicki Barnes and then begin her full term come January.
Governor Tate Reeves (R) announced Friday that he has appointed Penny B. Lawson of Vicksburg to the Office of Chancellor for the 9th Chancery Court District, Place 2.
The need for the appointment comes after the death of the Judge Vicki R. Barnes.
Lawson recently ran for and won the open seat Chancery Court race. Reeves’ appointment allows her to fill the unexpired term, beginning on November 16, and then start her new term having been elected to the position come January.
“Judge Lawson has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving her community throughout her legal career,” said Governor Reeves. “Her experience on the bench and in private practice has prepared her well for this role, and I am confident that she will serve the people of the 9th Chancery District with distinction.”
According to the Governor’s office, Lawson brings nearly two decades of legal experience to the position. She has served as municipal court judge pro tempore for the City of Vicksburg since 2017 and as municipal court judge in Port Gibson since January 2025. She previously served as a Certified Parent Representative in Warren County Youth Court. She has also spent several years in private practice focusing on family law, estates, and general litigation.
Lawson earned her J.D. from the Mississippi College School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University.
